Old Fort project nearing completion

The city of Fort Wayne says the Old Fort Bank Stabilization Project is nearly complete. The effort, which began in February 2017, aims to improve the look of the riverfront and protect it from erosion and invasive plant species.

The project involves placing large boulders to armor the toe of the bank slope and protect it from erosion during high water events, according to the city. Crews will also install native shrubs, perennials, grasses and trees above the boulders.

The city says groups of volunteers have gathered weekly to help remove invasive plant species as part of the project. To date, more than 230 people have volunteered and removed 15 tons of honeysuckle.

The Old Fort project is expected to be complete by the end of June. Crews have also begun work on stabilizing the riverbank along Headwaters Park in Fort Wayne and will also do the same at Bloomingdale and Guldlin Parks.

The city says the bank stabilization projects are part of the Riparian Master Plan commissioned at the end of the Riverfront Master Planning process.